Hello everyone. Boy this story is still updating, albeit slower due to scheduling conflicts and such. I never thought I would be updating this to be honest, but hey, it's here!

I would like to thank the person who assisted me on this story. And for those that are curious, this person is going to debut in the Danmachi fandom in writing. Has lots of ideas and is already on the works.

Now, let's see how Bell is doing this time around.

Disclaimer: I don't own Danmachi, nor the characters.

Chapter 3: Decisions

Bell came down the ladder with a smile at his handiwork. The stained glass windows were clean, and they lit the room beautifully despite their damaged condition. He imagined Hestia would've been happy with how it looked.

"Hestia…"

His eyes went to the podium where the knife was safely in its holder, a sad smile as he stared. The last reminder of a gift that's part of her. It will be kept in memory of her, not even sure where Hestia got it in the first place. Without Falna Bell is unable to make it work, so it's just a regular knife.

A knock was heard to break him out of his thoughts, a little surprised on how many people have come today. "I'm getting a lot of visitors lately."

Bell went to the door and opened it to see a red haired woman with an eye-patch. Stunned at who it was, he said. "Lady Hephaestus."

She gave a smile. "Hello Bell. Can I come in?"

"Sure."

He allowed entry and closed the door. Hephaestus looked around, surprised at the progress being made, noticing on one side gathered junk and debris.

"Wow, it's becoming cleaner here."

Bell nodded, also pleased at his handiwork so far. "Yes. I decided to clean up to keep myself busy."

Hephaestus nodded, taking a seat on one of the benches near the front. Bell made sure to sit next to her at a short distance as she smiled at the podium, particularly at the knife.

"It's sad to think about… One moment she was with me making a beautiful knife meant as a gift to you. Next, she's taken to the Heavens by a Silverback somehow let loose on the streets."

Bell frowned, eyes also on the podium and answered. "I wished I was fast enough to stop it… or push her away to safety."

She quietly sighed before looking at him. "I know you did your best. Not many Adventures at your level could have done more than what you did."

He nodded, not making eye contact.

It made Hephaestus continue. "Hestia cared about you very much. I know she still does in Heaven and doesn't want us to be sad. Treasure the memories you have of her, no matter how small or big they are.

He looked at her, deciding to ask now that he has the chance. "How did you both meet?"

She couldn't help but giggle. "We were in Heaven, I would say I wasn't the most good looking person. This patch was added to it." She pointed to said item over her eye. "One day Hestia asked me to take it off to have a look, so I did." A few tears came out. "Instead of being disgusted, she called me pretty."

She looked down. "She was never afraid of me, the only one I was able to talk to about my problems and be there for me." Unable to stop the flow from her eye, she ignored it.

Hesitant at first, Bell moved close enough to place a hand on her shoulder for comfort before she finished. "That was one of the things I admired about her."

He smiled sadly. "She was amazing. Hestia believed in me, took me in after no one else did. I did what I could to get strong in order to protect her… Now I have to figure out how in a different way."

Hephaestus looked at him and smiled. "I know you will make it."

That small encouragement made him return the gesture without words. Unfortunately, even though a good way to divert from their grief, the Goddesses reason for coming came to light.

"Listen, Hestia left a large debt for the knife, and I came to cancel it. And-"

"Lady Hephaestus, I want to pay it off." Bell interrupted.

She was surprised, thinking he'll change his mind after hearing the amount. "The debt is about 400 million Vales."

"That doesn't matter. You worked hard making it, and I want to pay it back." He said, his serious gaze showing he wasn't lying. "Plus, Hestia did put her effort on it."

Hephaestus sighed while rubbing her forehead. "You are just like Hestia… Stubborn and yet resolving." Despite what was said, she smiled.

He gave a happy grin. "I'd rather pay off the debt than canceling it, since the knife did great work helping me defeat that monster."

"Very well, we will discuss it further after you joined a Familia." She got up to leave, but stopped to think that made her ask. "Speaking of… How would you like to join mine?"

"But your Familia specializes in blacksmithing? I'm not skilled at that." Seeing a flaw in her suggestion.

However, Hephaestus had a way around it. "We do need Adventurers to gather materials in the Dungeon for repairing weapons and armours. Plus, it can benefit you in learning how to maintain your equipment."

He thought about it, and thankfully she was like Miach and Loki when it came to patience in a person's decision by saying after nearly a minute of silence. "I can give you time to think about it."

He accepted with a nod. "Sorry, it's just I had two invitations already today from Lord Miach and Goddess Loki."

"Really?" This surprised Hephaestus, not expecting the two mentioned Deities to do that, especially Loki.

"Yes, and I will take yours into consideration also." Bell said, a short bow.

"I understand, take your time. When you're ready, my door is open for you."

"Thank you, Lady Hephaestus." He said, grateful she was okay with it.

She smiled and stood up, about to make her leave when Bell called out her name. "Lady Hephaestus."

"Yes?" She stopped to make eye contact.

"Can I ask you a favor?" He asked, a little nervousness in his tone.

Hephaestus nodded.

"Could you take off your eye patch?"

An unexpected request that surprised her. Hephaestus felt nervous as this might change his mind in joining, people became disgusted at the sight. Slowly going for the patch, she trembled, though able to remove it, now awaiting for any kind of reaction.

He stared, not looking away, just stared. Hephaestus had a burn mark and the iris was pale. It made her look tough, but also attractive.. "Hestia was right, you look pretty."

She blushed at the compliment and looked away. "Bell…"

"I'm being honest, you do look cool and pretty. It's hard to explain both of those words." He scratched the back of his head, bashfully.

Still not making eye contact, Hephaestus muttered. "Thank you." Putting it back on, she said. "I… I have to go now."

Bell smiled. "Have a good day, Lady Hephaestus."

She nodded, and after she got outside her cheeks blushed. "He didn't run away… Ohhh, if only he was a blacksmith." She giggled, unable to believe there was someone on the Lower World that accepted her.

Bell decided to have a proper break downstairs before going back to cleaning. After he made it, he stopped at the unmade bed to find a wallet. Picking it up, he stared confusingly until he finally realized who it belonged to. "Crud!" Pocketing it, he quickly ran back upstairs for the exit, having Hestia's knife in his other hand the whole time.

Hostess of Fertility

Not many customers came today, probably due to what happened yesterday as some drank in silence and others discussed about the white haired teen.

"I heard he was just a level 1."

"He seemed pretty strong and fast."

"It's a shame his goddess died."

Syr was nearly at the counter, looking sad after overhearing each comment. She heard from Ryuu what Bell was doing at MonsterFeria and felt bad because he ended up in that situation looking for her before it happened. Hearing the door open got Syr to see Bell enter, looking for someone.

"Bell?"

Said boy looked relieved at the sight of her, walking over with wallet in hand . "Miss Syr. Sorry, I was supposed to give this to you, but." Giving a bow while holding out the item in both hands.

A little embarrassed, she accepted it. "Oh, thank you." Once his head was raised, Syr took him by surprise with a hug. "I'm sorry about your loss…"

Bell nodded, returning the embrace and patted her back. "Thank you…"

When they parted she stared into his eyes. "Bell… Goddess Hestia will never be gone. She will always be here, no matter what." she pressed a finger where his heart is, making him smile softly.

"I will remember that, Syr."

He looked at her for a moment, suddenly feeling a little heavy to have him shake his head.

"Are you okay?" Syr asked out of concern.

"Yeah… I must be tired." He replied, moving to sit on the nearest chair.

Bell had a busy day, going from one place to another, visitor after visitor and cleaning up the old church. Not forgetting thoughts on what Familia to join out of the three choices given.

"The sun is starting to set." Syr noticed outside a window, then looked at the large woman behind the counter, readying a tray of glasses filled with beer. "Mama Mia?"

"Mmm?" She responded, still focused on the task.

"Can Ryuu escort Bell home? He looks exhausted."

Mia looked at Syr for a moment, a brow raised before looking at the tired boy.

"It shouldn't be far, and she can run back here." Syr added, hoping the woman accepts.

Giving in with a shrug, Mia said. "Very well. Ryuu!"

Ryuu emerged from the kitchen, drying her hands with a cloth, having done dishes before being called. "Yes, Mama Mia?"

"Can you escort him home? It seems he isn't feeling well." She replied, eyes on the elf while a thumb pointed at Bell who was being helped up by Syr.

Ryuu nodded, putting the cloth on the counter as she passed. "Are you ready, Mr. Cranel?"

He nodded before they both left. Syr stared at their departure in concern while Mia narrowed her eyes, muttering. "Strange… Then again, grieving can make anyone exhausted."

…

Ryuu was silent as Bell felt oddly overwhelmed until the former decided to speak without looking in his direction. "I do apologize for your loss, Mr Cranel. I've also lost people in the past, members of my Familia to be exact."

Although surprised she was part of a Familia, Bell didn't want to bring up memories when he had his own grieving to deal with. Therefore he said. "I wish I knew what to do."

"You already found justice by killing the monster responsible." Ryuu said as an attempt to make him feel better.

Unfortunately it wasn't enough by how he responded. "I did, but the price of her life isn't what I wanted."

They were silent for a moment. Then she said "I wish I had my justice as fast as you did…"

He looked at her. "Were they killed by a monster?"

"Worse than that. No matter what I do, sometimes I can't erase those thoughts at night, wishing I was able to stop it. Even if I did manage to hunt down those responsible, it didn't help. I was saved by Syr, and I doubt I can ever repay her."

The white-haired teen sadly smiled. Two people who lost someone close, taken away and can only live on in their memories. With determination in his voice and a clenched fist, Bell said. "I will get stronger out of this, Ryu."

She looked at him, asking. "You're going back into the Dungeon?"

"Yes. Although I have to decide which Familia to join first."

Being his decision to make, Ryuu decided to give advice. "Think carefully before choosing, and do try to heal yourself." She instructed.

He nodded. "I will."

"Good."

They finally arrived, being the first time Ryuu has seen the old church, having her raise a brow once at the door. "Nice home." Ryuu said, trying to sound nice about the poor condition of the building.

"Thank you. I still need to do more work, but it will look great one day." Bell smiled, pleased at the progress he's made so far.

"I have to go, Mamma Mia won't be happy about me taking too long." The elf turned and began to depart.

"Understandable. I hope we see each other more." He gave a smile. She blinked for a moment and left.

Bell went inside, a sigh made as he walked towards the stairs. "So many visitors… A tough decision to make… I should turn in early." Deciding to sleep, Bell had a quick wash once downstairs and changed before going to bed.

Dionysus Home

Loki raised an eyebrow, sitting on a sofa in the Deities lounge with him opposite. A coffee table between them having a bottle of wine, a glass in Loki's and Dionysus' hand. "So you're telling me you're also investigating this as well? I find it hard to believe after my child and I just left the sewers. I was going to visit you today, so let's talk."

"You also have the same scent as those plant creatures do." Bete pointed that out while leaning against the wall near the door.

The blonde haired God nodded, rotating his glass to watch the liquid swirl. Filvis stood behind her God as he spoke. "I suppose an explanation is in order. My Familia was massacred by an unknown assailant involved with those strange plant creatures. One of my children was able to describe them, and I began to ponder how they managed to get that far. I mean, it was a strange coincidence. It occurred around the time of MonsterFeria."

Loki was silent without a sip of her drink, an eye kept on Dionysus instead of it as he continued to talk.

"I mean, the Guild approved monsters to be entertainment and then all hell broke loose, including those new creatures."

Loki was there during that situation with Ais present, and they didn't encounter any new monsters. Dionysus was right at it being a strange coincidence, aiming to keep an eye on the God in front of her out of suspicion. For now Loki will need to be normal around him. "It is strange indeed. I'll have a nice chat with someone at the Guild about it. It might bring me new information about it." then took a small drink.

"It's a shame what happened to Hestia." Dionysus said to change the subject.

She nodded. "Everything happened so fast…"

"I do wonder how someone can be so heartless to take her life like that." He stared at Loki with a narrow gaze, insinuating something she was able to notice.

"Oh no, don't look at me. If I wanted to take someone out, I would have done it personally." She looked narrowed her eyes "Although the shrimp and I never got along, even I wouldn't go that far for any reason."

"Of course, my apologies. I never meant to accuse you of anything. But it is sad and strange."

She nodded, mumbling. "I hope the kid's doing okay…" wondering how Bell was doing after their meeting at the manor.

"Now then, do you have anything else you need to address?" Dionysus asked with a small smile.

"No, I'm good right now. I might come back for more details. Until then…" She emptied her glass, a delightful sigh released before standing up. "Have another bottle of this put to one side."

Both reached out to shake hands, no words of goodbye spoken as the Goddess departed with Bete following.

Filvis was expressionless and silent as her God drank some wine, probably contemplating what transpired.

…

Loki and Bete walked in silence for a while till they were sure they weren't being followed.

"What does the Guild know about those weird creatures?" Bete asked, both hands in his trouser pockets.

Loki looked up. "Hopefully they figured out the coincidence he mentioned and can give us a couple of clues."

"Hmmm…"

"One more thing, Bete. You're going to be my escort for a few days." She decided to bring up, a finger pointing upwards.

"Eh?" He looked at her oddly.

"Think of it as punishment after you got drunk at the Hostess of Fertility."

"That was long ago. Plus I'm still standing on my beliefs." Bete said, now looking the other way and glaring. Those that saw it as they passed became nervous.

"You could have caused bigger problems for us." Not letting him have the subject end with that sentence.

"Oh, so we're wasting our time keeping an eye out for every weak Adventurer in trouble?"

Loki stopped, arm out at the same time in order to stop Bete so they can make eye contact before she said. "I seem to recall a weak Adventurer that came to my doorstep and begged to be part of my Familia. Wanting to become stronger for his late sister."

He growled at the mention of his sister, but it didn't stop the Goddess. "Every Adventurer starts at the bottom, Bete. Someone like Cranel could get stronger one day and surpass you."

"Heh, not after what happened to his Goddess."

With blinding speed, Bete was grabbed by the shirt and pushed against the wall of a nearby building.

"Are you finished?" she glared fiercely, making Bete feel fear he hadn't felt in a long time. Having no choice, especially against a Deity, he nodded.

"Good. And keep those comments to yourself, it doesn't suit you while out in the open." She patted the side of his face before releasing him and walk away.

'How the hell was she that fast? And that look…' He thought, still surprised at Loki's reaction. Bete wondered if she was like that in Heaven, a shudder after it played out in his head on someone else.

A happy tune can be heard from Loki, making the man sigh before following, muttering. "Women are so complicated." They walked without further incident, silence between them till something caught the Goddesses interest.

Abandoned Church: Two Days Later

Staring at the Hestia Knife in front of him, Bell sat at the table in deep thought on which Familia to join, a difficult choice that it took this long to finally make a decision. There were advantages and disadvantages for each one.

Miach Familia are good friends and kind to him. The only thing about it was the rumor on how they are dirt poor and nothing has moved them out of whatever caused it. Then again, he's poor himself and could deal with it. Just wondering how he would help them out if he chose them.

Loki Familia are the elite, known to bring out the best in Adventurers. The only issue he has is Bete Loga, believing he might say the wrong things and it won't end well. Bell could confront him about it, but knows he's at a disadvantage should it lead to a fight. Plus there's doubt Bell will be able to focus with Ais being there.

Lastly, Hephaestus Familia are known for their blacksmithing expertise, able to make weapons together and work alongside other Familia's. The issue is that his interest in forging weapons isn't his strength, he doesn't have that creative aptitude for it. He could learn, but he heard stories about some walking out due to how harsh some members are.

After thinking about each one, Bell became calm and at peace in a way. Maybe to do with an odd dream he had involving Hestia last night. How she forgave him, telling Bell to keep getting stronger and how proud she was. It was as if he was visited by her in his dream to say it.

He smiled after remembering one last thing he softly said out loud. "Follow your heart."

Bell took hold of the knife, a choice finally made. He got up and left the church, hoping to return as he traveled to his chosen Familia.

To Be Continued

A/N: I have to admit, a lot of things will change by joining either Familia. It was a tough choice for me, but at the same time, I had to think about the question 'who will Bell really go to?'

So the next chapter is who he picks, new items, and also solo run.